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Introduction Overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) is still a national and international issue. Among the variables contributing to this crisis are an increase in patient numbers and the severity of sickness. One significant issue that has not yet been addressed and is burdening healthcare facilities is the use of EDs by parents of children who have mild illnesses. Developing successful interventions requires an understanding of the factors that lead to nonurgent visits to pediatric EDs (PEDs). Our objective was to assess the variables that could influence parental visits to PEDs. Methodology In the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia, between September and November 2023, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents who had previously visited a PED. The survey had 21 questions. Along with parental viewpoints and healthcare utilization, parents' evaluations of their child's emergency state were investigated. In addition to gathering and evaluating demographic data, the survey evaluated respondents' impressions of the severity of a disease or injury. Results A total of 776 participants were included in the study. The mean parental age was 32.1 ± 12.7 years, and approximately 32.1% of the participants' children were between the ages of 1 and 5. Nearly half of the children, 44.7%, visited the ED during the evening shift. The most common reasons for presenting were fever (50.5%) and upper respiratory tract symptoms (37.1%). Among these visits, parents perceived 48.5% as nonurgent and 30.2% as urgent. The majority of respondents (54.9%) had received advice before going to the ED. In most cases (47.9%), this was from a relative or a healthcare provider (16.7%). Conclusion This analysis identified some of the reasons parents bring their children to the ED for mild illnesses. The results emphasized the varied nature of the problem. Understanding the reasons for parental ED visits may help us better design targeted interventions to decrease unnecessary visits and lessen the burden on healthcare systems.
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Introduction Saudi Arabia has a high prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD). Leg ulceration is one of the complications associated with SCD. There is a gap in the literature in regard to the prevalence of leg ulcers among SCD patients in Saudi Arabia. Objectives The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the lifetime prevalence of leg ulcers in SCD patients in our population and to study the predictive factors of leg ulcers by using sociodemographic factors, clinical manifestations of SCD, and other relevant factors like hydroxyurea. Methods A cross-sectional study design was utilized. Data collection was done using an electronic survey to collect self-reported information for the prevalence of leg ulcers and possible associated factors. The survey was distributed using social media platforms. Chi-square test was used to test for the presence of an association between having leg ulcers and sociodemographic variables as well as SCD related history. Furthermore, binary logistic regression was utilized to determine factors predicting the incidence of leg ulcers among SCD. Results A total of 790 valid responses were included in the study. Among these, 646 were included in the analysis of leg ulcers prevalence. From them, 52 (8%) SCD patients reported a history of leg ulcers. The male to female ratio was (9.7% vs 7.2%). The age group most affected by leg ulcers was those older than 50 (16.7%). There was no significant association between a history of leg ulcers and sociodemographic variables. The only predictive factors for leg ulcers were having six to eight vaso-occlusive crises per month and having more than eight vaso-occlusive crises per month. Conclusion Leg ulcers among SCD patients in Saudi Arabia were considerably prevalent (8%). There was no statistically significant correlation between leg ulceration and sociodemographic variables. Leg ulcers were more likely in patients with a history of highly frequent vaso-occlusive crises. No association was found between the incidence of leg ulcers and other complications of sickle cell disease or hydroxyurea.